In this powerful and personal episode, Kim Wardlow sits down with longtime advocate Curtis Chong to discuss transportation equity and accessibility. Curtis shares his life story—growing up blind in Hawaii, learning programming in a pre-digital world, and his decades of advocacy work in technology and transportation. He breaks down the evolution of public transit and paratransit systems, and shines a light on how crucial accessible and affordable transportation is for employment, independence, and daily life.

From calling out discrimination at a Minnesota amusement park to being on the advisory committee for RTD in Denver, Curtis offers insights and strategies for effective advocacy—whether it’s using education, documentation, or the occasional hammer when necessary. This episode dives deep into how technology, policy, and mindset shape access to mobility for the blind and low-vision community.

⚠️ Stay tuned for a special Thursday release where Curtis returns to explore rural transportation and more practical tips for getting around safely and effectively.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro

00:57 – Meet Curtis Chong: From Hawaii to Advocacy

03:00 – Growing Up Blind in a Sighted Family

06:45 – Music, Perfect Pitch, and the Road to Tech

08:55 – First Jobs & Learning to Program Without Sight

11:45 – Entering Advocacy: Group Therapy, Bravery & Pushback

14:50 – From Rebellion to System Reform in Hawaii

17:30 – Work Ethic, Expectations & Education

20:40 – When to Use the Hammer in Advocacy

23:35 – The Amusement Park Protest & a 5-Year Win

25:50 – The Evolution of Transportation for the Blind

28:00 – Paratransit Limitations & Community Debates

30:00 – Access-A-Ride vs. Access On Demand

33:20 – Budget, Uber/Lyft & Smartphone Barriers

37:40 – Tech Dependence & the Cost of Access

40:00 – Silent Majority: Who Gets Left Behind

42:00 – Preview of Part 2: Rural Access & Tips

In this inspiring episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow sits down with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran turned accessibility advocate and self-taught software developer. After losing his vision due to a traumatic brain injury, Zach found himself navigating inaccessible educational systems and daily tools. Instead of settling for frustration, he became the solution—learning to code, developing award-winning apps like Xanagrams, and advocating for inclusive technology design.

Zach shares his powerful journey, from grappling with depression to creating tech solutions that are accessible to all. He dives into the realities of software development, the barriers within big tech companies, and the potential for AI and machine learning to help or hinder accessibility. Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-averse, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a must-listen on how to be an advocate, innovator, or even just a helpful tester in the ever-evolving world of accessible technology.

Contact Information:

Zach Tidwell Website: www.zachtidwell.net

Podcast: Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell – Available on all major platforms

Aftersight: www.aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856

Email for Questions or Feedback: [email protected]

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Intro to the episode and advocacy series

01:00 – Kim introduces Zach Tidwell and today’s topic

02:22 – Zach’s military background and life-changing injury

04:41 – Rebuilding life and finding purpose in tech

07:04 – Inaccessible education and turning frustration into coding

09:27 – Becoming part of the solution and coding as advocacy

11:22 – Creating apps for everyone, from blindness to broader usability

13:32 – How Zach taught himself to code and found accessible resources

15:59 – Accessibility as a design choice, not an obstacle

18:23 – Comparing Zach’s apps with mainstream tools like Echo

20:32 – Missing the mark: When apps are only built for blind users

22:40 – Why big companies often miss accessibility standards

24:52 – Code frameworks: Apple’s Swift vs. Meta’s React Native

27:06 – Systemic change through design choices

29:29 – A sneak peek at Zach’s new educational app

30:45 – AI and machine learning: Challenges and opportunities

32:48 – Encouragement for tech-averse users to start learning

34:57 – Zach’s personal testimony on technology’s life-changing power

37:22 – How to report accessibility issues to developers

40:32 – Group advocacy vs. individual advocacy

41:39 – Resources for learning to code and getting started

43:52 – Final advice and encouragement from Zach

46:11 – Zach’s podcast and how to connect with him

48:14 – Closing remarks and where to hear more of Zach’s story

In this powerful episode, Navigating Life with Vision Loss dives into the vital world of legal advocacy for people who are blind or have low vision. Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Dr. Charles W. Powell II, a triple master’s graduate and founder of Divine Visions Consulting and Paralegal Services. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2012, Dr. Powell transformed personal adversity into professional purpose, providing legal resources and ADA advocacy to underserved communities.

Together, they explore:

The importance of knowing your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Practical examples of accessibility challenges in workplaces, restaurants, schools, and digital content

The power of self-advocacy and how to recognize when you’re entitled—not asking for favors, but demanding equality

Technology’s double-edged sword: advancements in access, but high costs

How to influence policy change and where to begin if you're new to advocacy

The difference between a guide dog and emotional support animal under ADA

And why blindness is a “diffability,” not a disability

Dr. Powell shares personal stories that will inspire you to advocate more confidently for yourself and others, and reminds us that advocacy doesn’t always mean protests or courtrooms—sometimes, it starts with a conversation or a post on social media.

📌 Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:27 – Introduction to Advocacy Series and Dr. Powell

02:52 – Why Legal Advocacy Matters

05:09 – Dr. Powell’s Unexpected Journey to Law and Justice

07:27 – Founding Divine Visions and Serving Underserved Communities

09:55 – Educating Professors and Institutions through Advocacy

12:18 – Understanding Legal Advocacy and Knowing Your Rights

14:43 – Workplace Discrimination and Real Stories

17:13 – Employers Who Get It Right

19:34 – Equal Access to Technology: Opportunities and Limitations

22:01 – Meta Glasses and Unexpected Accessibility

24:24 – How Companies Can Listen and Respond to Advocacy

26:51 – Social Advocacy: From Lawn Mowers to Menus

29:12 – Guide Dogs, ADA, and Public Confusion

31:33 – Misuse of Service Animal Rules

33:55 – Pride in Presentation and Daily Advocacy

36:26 – Influencing Policy: From Local Change to National Reform

38:48 – Stories from the Past: Generational Resilience

41:10 – Real-World Impact of Persistent Advocacy

43:38 – Where to Start: Resources and Practical Steps

46:01 – Final Thoughts: “Blind, Not Broken”

📬 Contact Information:

Dr. Charles W. Powell II

Founder, Divine Visions Consulting and Paralegal Services

📧 Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Dominick Petrillo, a blind sports writer and advocate who has contributed to Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, Rotoballer, and covers the Philadelphia Eagles. Dominick shares his journey of breaking into the competitive world of sports writing, the barriers he has faced as a blind journalist, and how he continues to advocate for accessibility in the workplace.

This episode explores employment challenges for blind professionals, strategies for self-advocacy, accessibility in digital spaces, and tips for jobseekers with vision loss. Whether you're entering the workforce or advancing in your career, this conversation provides valuable insights into workplace advocacy.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:28 – Welcome to the Advocacy Series: Workplace & Career Challenges

01:50 – Meet Dominick Petrillo: Blind sports writer and accessibility advocate

03:30 – Breaking into the sports writing industry as a blind journalist

05:10 – Networking and making connections in the media world

07:20 – The biggest workplace barriers for blind professionals

09:40 – Challenges in accessibility: Researching and publishing articles

12:00 – Advocating for website accessibility and industry resistance

15:10 – Strategies for advocating with employers and hiring managers

18:50 – Discrimination in hiring: Personal experiences

22:40 – Advice for jobseekers on when to disclose blindness

26:00 – Tools and technology: How Dominick sets up his workspace

30:20 – Mental resilience: Dealing with rejection in the job search

32:50 – What employers should know about hiring blind professionals

35:00 – Resources for jobseekers with vision loss

36:00 – Closing thoughts and what’s next in the Advocacy Series

Guest Information

Dominick Petrillo

Twitter (X): @EnvisionFF

LinkedIn: Dominick Petrillo

Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned

American Council of the Blind (ACB) – www.acb.org

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) – www.afb.org

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) – www.nfb.org

AFB Job Listings – Employers actively seeking blind professionals

Connect with AfterSight

Website: AfterSight.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 303-786-7777

Social Media: Follow AfterSight on all platforms for updates!

Join Us Next Episode!

Next week, we continue our Advocacy Series with a discussion on legal advocacy and fighting for equal rights. We’ll explore disability laws, employment rights, and policy changes that impact the blind community. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow welcomes Dr. L Penny Rosenblum, a nationally recognized expert in blindness education and advocacy. With over 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and program development, Penny shares her insights on how students, families, and educators can advocate for accessible education.

She discusses the impact of the pandemic on blind and low-vision students, the role of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and practical steps for self-advocacy in schools. The conversation also covers key laws affecting students with disabilities and strategies for parents to ensure their children receive appropriate educational support.

Penny shares personal stories, including her own experience growing up with low vision, and offers valuable advice on navigating accessibility challenges in the education system.

Episode Highlights & Chapter Markers:

00:02 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:27 – Introduction to Penny Rosenblum & today’s topic: Advocacy in Education

02:23 – Penny’s background: Living through every phase of blind education

04:04 – Early experiences with advocacy & learning to stand firm

05:46 – The pandemic’s impact on blind students & education accessibility

08:51 – Challenges of virtual learning & accessibility solutions

11:41 – Education in 2025: Current challenges & improvements

13:08 – Advice for parents navigating districts with limited support

19:36 – When to consider specialized schools for blind students

23:09 – Teaching students self-advocacy skills from a young age

26:52 – Key laws impacting blind students, including IDEA and IEP rights

35:46 – The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and its importance

38:32 – Advocating effectively: Keeping records, finding allies, and solving problems

42:06 – Stories of successful advocacy & self-advocacy strategies

46:10 – Closing thoughts: Encouraging independence and problem-solving

Connect with Us:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Call/Text: (720) 712-8856

🌐 Website: Aftersight.org

💬 Share Your Thoughts!

Have feedback or questions? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us and share your thoughts on this episode.

🎧 Next Week’s Episode: Advocating in the Workplace with Dominic Petrillo – A sports writer navigating accessibility in his career. Don’t miss it!

This is the second episode in our 16-week series on advocacy. In this episode, Kim Wardlow welcomes Melissa Fishburne, an Aftersight board member, to discuss her journey of self-advocacy and the importance of empowering oneself. Melissa shares her personal experiences growing up with low vision, the challenges she faced in embracing her identity, and how she ultimately became a strong advocate for herself and others.

Listeners will gain insights into self-confidence, finding the right resources, and overcoming misconceptions about advocacy. Melissa also highlights practical steps for advocating in the workplace and everyday life.

Chapter Markers:

00:02 - Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:27 - Introduction to the Advocacy Series

02:54 - Melissa Fishburne’s Story: From Hiding Vision Loss to Embracing Advocacy

05:18 - Discovering Resources and Community Support

07:39 - Building Self-Confidence and Overcoming Fear

09:48 - Training and Certification for Advocacy

12:11 - Personal Experiences in Self-Advocacy

15:25 - Common Misconceptions About Advocacy

17:36 - The Importance of Educating Others

20:04 - Handling Pushback and Challenging Situations

22:30 - Self-Worth and the Role of Community Support

24:57 - Recognizing Toxic Environments in Advocacy

27:17 - Resources: Foundation Fighting Blindness and More

29:42 - Workplace Advocacy: Knowing Your Rights

32:14 - Closing Advice from Melissa

34:31 - Contact Information and Upcoming Episode Preview

Key Takeaways:

✅ Know Your Worth – Confidence and self-respect are essential for effective advocacy.

✅ Find the Right Resources – Organizations like the Foundation Fighting Blindness and Aftersight offer valuable support.

✅ Educate Others – Advocacy involves not just fighting for your own needs but also helping others understand accommodations and accessibility.

✅ Stand Firm – Facing pushback is part of the process, but knowing your rights can help you navigate challenges.

✅ Community is Key – Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

Resources & Contact Information:

📌 Aftersight Advocacy Resources: www.aftersight.org

📌 Email Us: [email protected]

📌 Call Us: (303) 786-7777

📌 Follow Us on Social Media

📢 Other Aftersight Podcasts to Check Out:

🎙️ The Blind Chick – Top 10% worldwide podcast on blindness & empowerment

🎙️ Blind Level Tech – Accessible technology for blind and low-vision individuals

🎙️ Blindsight – Mental health & wellness in the blind community

Next Episode Preview:

Join us next week as we discuss advocating for yourself in an educational setting, whether you're a student or a parent of a student navigating accessibility in schools.

🎧 Tune in, share your thoughts, and keep advocating for yourself and others! #NavigatingLifeWithVisionLoss

In the kickoff to the new 16-week season on advocacy, Navigating Life with Vision Loss welcomes Angela Winfield, an attorney and nationally recognized disability rights advocate. Angela shares her personal journey from being a shy child with low vision to becoming an empowered advocate, passing the bar, and influencing accessibility policies. This episode explores the fundamentals of advocacy, how individuals can find their advocacy style, and why no cape is required to be an effective advocate.

Angela breaks down:

The definition and importance of advocacy

The three key styles of advocacy: disruptors, table-builders, and quiet influencers

How to develop advocacy skills (communication, self-awareness, strategy)

The role of empathy in advocacy

Legal foundations: ADA, Air Carrier Access Act, Fair Housing Act

Everyday self-advocacy tips and how to handle difficult situations (e.g., public accommodations, Uber guide dog refusals)

Her personal "aha moment" of independence while studying abroad

Angela’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and breaking barriers, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating life with vision loss or looking to become a stronger advocate.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro to the New Advocacy Series

00:27 – Welcome Back! New Format for 2025

01:30 – Guest Introduction: Angela Winfield

02:53 – Angela’s Personal Journey into Advocacy

07:27 – Angela’s "Aha Moment" in the Airport

09:29 – Defining Advocacy & Its Importance

11:47 – The Three Styles of Advocacy

16:33 – Building Advocacy Skills: Communication & Empathy

23:21 – The Role of Empathy in Advocacy

27:47 – Key Laws & Regulations for Blind Advocates

32:24 – Steps to Start an Advocacy Effort

34:39 – Navigating Everyday Advocacy Situations

36:48 – Challenges Blind Advocates Face & Overcoming Stereotypes

42:19 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved

45:30 – Where to Find Angela & Closing Remarks

Connect with Angela Winfield

Website: AngelaWinfield.com

LinkedIn: Angela Winfield

Upcoming Episode

Next week, the advocacy series continues with a deep dive into self-empowerment and personal advocacy strategies. Learn how to confidently advocate for yourself in various situations and strengthen your voice!

🔔 Subscribe to Navigating Life with Vision Loss and check out our other Aftersight podcasts:

Blindsight (Mental Health & Blindness)

Blind Level Tech (Accessible Technology)

The Blind Chick (Blind Culture & Community)

📢 Share this episode with friends and leave a review to support the show!

Episode Title: Looking Ahead to 2025

Host: Kim Wardlow

Guest: Jonathan Price

Episode Overview:

In this special New Year’s episode, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Aftersight Podcast Producer Jonathan Price to discuss exciting changes coming to Navigating Life with Vision Loss and updates on Aftersight's other podcasts. Jonathan shares insights into NLVL’s new seasonal format, the topics for the Spring and Fall 2025 seasons, and how listeners can contribute questions and guest suggestions. They also highlight Aftersight’s other podcasts (Blind Level Tech, The Blind Chick, and Blindsight) and tease collaborations, live events, and outreach plans for 2025.

Key Highlights:

Seasonal Format for NLVL: Starting March 2025, NLVL will adopt a seasonal structure with two 16-episode seasons per year, focusing on advocacy in Spring and safety in Fall.

Call for Listener Input: Encouragement for listeners to submit questions, topic ideas, and guest suggestions.

Other Aftersight Podcasts: Updates on Blind Level Tech, The Blind Chick, and Blindsight, including their unique focuses and growing global recognition.

Upcoming Initiatives: Plans for live events, conference appearances, expanded social media presence, and community outreach sessions in 2025.

Chapter Markers:

00:29 – Introduction and holiday reflections with Jonathan Price.

04:46 – Overview of changes to Navigating Life with Vision Loss.

07:39 – Details on the new seasonal format and Spring 2025 advocacy focus.

13:22 – Highlights from Aftersight’s other podcasts.

20:09 – Community outreach plans and feedback opportunities.

23:06 – Closing thoughts on upcoming programming and a Happy New Year.

Episode Title: New Year, New Goals

Host: Kim Wardlow

Guest: Charlie Kramer

Episode Overview:

In this special New Year’s Eve episode, host Kim Wardlow is joined by guest Charlie Kramer to discuss setting meaningful and achievable goals for 2025. They delve into strategies for creating effective goals, tracking progress, and managing challenges like fear of failure and unexpected obstacles. Charlie shares his personal experiences and insights on balancing ambition with grace and offers practical tools for staying accountable and focused throughout the year.

Key Highlights:

Reflecting on 2024: Kim and Charlie discuss looking back at accomplishments and lessons learned.

Breaking Down Goals: Tips on setting specific, measurable goals with smaller benchmarks.

Prioritization: Distinguishing between present priorities and long-term goals.

Accountability Tools: How to leverage apps, coaches, or trusted friends to stay on track.

Failure as Growth: Embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and move forward.

Kindness and Courage: Encouraging self-compassion and bravery in setting and pursuing goals.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Introduction and episode overview.

01:35 – Guest introduction: Charlie Kramer’s reflections on 2024 and personal milestones.

03:46 – Goals vs. resolutions: A fresh approach to New Year planning.

07:40 – Setting specific goals and breaking them into smaller steps.

11:30 – Categorizing goals and identifying present priorities.

15:22 – Accountability strategies and tools for success.

19:22 – Flexibility in the face of challenges and reframing failure.

23:41 – Reassessing and adjusting goals over time.

27:43 – Writing goals down: The key to clarity and focus.

31:17 – Final advice: Be kind and courageous with yourself.

In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Bill Lundgren back to discuss strategies for staying connected with loved ones during the holiday season. They explore how vision loss impacts relationships, share insights on overcoming barriers, and discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and embracing technology to maintain meaningful connections.

Kim also expresses gratitude to all who donated on Colorado Gives Day, emphasizing the support it provides for Aftersight's programs, including virtual book clubs, peer support groups, and white cane distribution.

Chapter Markers:

00:05 - Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

02:21 - Vision loss and its impact on relationships

04:25 - Circles of connection: Maintaining relationships

06:42 - Asking for help: Changing perspectives

10:21 - Overcoming internal barriers to connection

12:41 - Initiating and deepening relationships

17:03 - Balancing effort in relationships

18:48 - Using technology to stay connected

21:02 - Adapting to changing relationships

25:08 - Levels of intimacy and connection

27:36 - Choosing which relationships to nurture

30:02 - Closing thoughts and upcoming episodes

Contact Information:

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: [email protected]